By: Arlene Dela Rea
Olongapo City, July 29, 2026 – The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Olongapo City and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA)–Olongapo Chapter officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today at the office of the SDS, formalizing a three-year partnership to promote oral health among Grade 1 learners.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac, Schools Division Superintendent, and Dr. Maria Theresa A. Agawin, President of the Philippine Dental Association–Olongapo Chapter. Witnessing the signing were Dr. Emily C. Fancuberta, Committee on Oral Health, and Ilynne S. Samonte, CESE, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent.
Also present during the ceremony were Ricardo Ednave, SGOD Chief, Dr. Maricon Ibañez, Division Dentist, and the Division Partnerships Focal Persons, whose collaborative efforts helped facilitate the partnership.
Under the Adopt-a-School Program, the partnership will implement the “Sana Lahat ng Bata May Dentista” project in Iram I Elementary School and Gordon Heights II Elementary School. The initiative will provide oral health education, fluoride varnish application, and preventive dental services for Grade 1 learners at no cost to schools, parents, or learners.
The partnership reflects DepEd’s commitment to strengthening stakeholder collaboration and promoting learners’ health and well-being. Through this initiative, DepEd and the PDA–Olongapo Chapter aim to instill good oral hygiene practices, improve oral health awareness, and create healthier learning environments for young Olongapeño learners.
